AWS Limited Release IoT Button Sells Out in Hours

This past Friday, Amazon quietly launched the AWS IoT Button, a limited release programmable button that developers can program to control connected devices and services. Based on Amazon Dash Button hardware, the AWS IoT Button is a simple Wi-Fi device that developers can use to get started with AWS IoT, AWS Lambda, Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS), and other Amazon Web Services. The AWS IoT Button sold out in only a few hours. Developers interested in trying out this programmable button can sign up to be notified when more become available for purchase on Amazon.com.

AWS IoT is a managed cloud platform that makes it possible for connect devices to securely interact with Amazon Web Services, cloud applications, and other connected devices. AWS Lambda is a serverless computer service that allows developers to run code without the need to provision or manage servers. Amazon SNS is a Web service that developers can use to add pub-sub messaging capabilities to applications. The AWS IoT Button can help developers learn how to use AWS IoT, AWS Lambda, Amazon SNS, and other Amazon Web Services without having to write device-specific code.

The AWS IoT Button can be programmed to perform different types of IoT tasks including count items, track items, order services, send alerts, start or stop something, initiate a call, and more. The AWS IoT Button product page lists a number of ways the button can be programmed and used such as remote control for Netflix, order pizza delivery from a preferred venue, call a cab, unlock or start a car, open a garage door, and remotely control appliances.

Some developers have raised a few concerns regarding the AWS IoT Button. One concern is that it may be possible to hack the AWS IoT Button since it is based on Amazon Dash Button hardware. In August of last year, Ted Benson, co-founder and CTO of Cloudstitch, published an article on Medium that explains how to hack the Amazon Dash Button and program it to do just about anything. A thread on Hacker News mentions a few other concerns about the AWS IoT Button. The button battery only lasts for about 1,000 presses and the battery is not rechargeable nor is it easily replaceable. Cost is another concern which is about 2 cents a push, plus the cost of the Amazon Web Service the button connects to (if any).

Developers interested in the AWS IoT Button can find more information on the official product page and can sign up to be notified when more buttons will be available for purchase on Amazon.com.

About the author:Janet Wagner
is a technical writer and contributor to ProgrammableWeb who covers breaking news and in-depth analysis. She specializes in creating well-researched, in-depth content about APIs, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, analytics, and other advanced technologies.